An annual bald eagle count in Kings County, Nova Scotia, has reported a significant increase in the number of bald eagles this year. The count, which occurs every February, identified 605 bald eagles, more than double the 265 birds spotted in 2023. This year’s count far surpasses the mere 22 eagles observed in 1977.
Organizer Soren Bondrup-Nielsen attributed the rise in sightings to a positive environmental development. He highlighted the impact of DDT pesticides, which previously contaminated eagle prey, leading to poisoning and reproductive issues. The ban on DDT in the 1970s has contributed to the resurgence of bald eagles, with their population increasing by over five percent annually nationwide.
Bondrup-Nielsen, a naturalist, mentioned that eagle numbers in the Annapolis Valley vary annually. He speculated that the cold winter likely influenced the high count, noting that eagles took advantage of frozen Canada geese and ducks in the region.
During the count, volunteers cover designated driving routes, recording every bald eagle sighted within an hour. This method helps prevent duplicate counts. Bondrup-Nielsen emphasized the importance of this tradition in monitoring ecological health and human impact on the area. The proximity of Acadia University ensures a ready supply of volunteers from the region’s naturalist community.
The annual tally not only tracks eagle numbers but also serves as a means to assess the local ecosystem’s well-being. This ongoing initiative reflects the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.